Around the World in Seven Beds: Getting Eclectic at Yowie Hotel

The arbiter of cool found inspiration in sources like “Fantasia” and Tom Ford–era Gucci for the boutique hotel above her beloved Philadelphia design shop.

Text by

Angela Serratore

Published by

Dwell

View 2 Photos

The Pierre Frey wallpaper Shannon Maldonado used as the focal point of Philadelphia’s Yowie Hotel, depicting an Edenic garden scene in shades of gray and white, made the designer think of the exuberance of Fantasia and FernGully: The Last Rainforest, two of her favorite childhood films. The 13 rooms here have a sense of grown-up whimsy: The walls are a shade of white that Maldonado refers to as "cereal milk," and practical nightstands are a fiery, bright orange. "Nostalgia plays a significant role in my design process," she says. "I spent a lot of time poring over vintage fashion magazines like i-D, the Face, and W," along with the work of American designers like Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, and Tom Ford–era Gucci. The overall effect Maldonado focused on producing? "Not a traditional hotel setting, but rather a cool friend lending you their apartment keys for the weekend."

Yowie Hotel founder Shannon Maldonado shares decor that can help you channel the boutique hotel’s look on your own.

Photos: Courtesy Yowie (Maldonado and Yowie hotel); LAW Ho Ming/Getty Images (videotape); Dwell (archival issue of The Face); Courtesy respective companies (products)

Bring the Look Home

Hide Side Table from Hem

The Hide Table by Karoline Fesser is a Hem hero product. Why? Because this modest piece of furniture is far more necessary and boundless than it might at first seem. The Hide Table can be discreet: tucked under a larger desk or table for additional storage, or sitting quietly in the corner of a room, its back turned to conceal its contents. Or it can be bold: a pedestal and side table for your favorite objects, a punctuation of brilliant color, or an open display for all manner of paraphernalia. The Hide Table is beautifully finished in powder-coated steel and has wheels for easy maneuverability.

Shop

Faydra Bed Frame by Article

Question: is it dorky to sing love songs to your bed if it looks as good as the Faydra? With its large headboard and footboard made of natural rounded wood, how could you not? Bold style, organic softness — what a bed, what a bed, what a bed, what a mighty good bed…

Shop

Orb Pendant by In Common With

A pendant whose minimal composition is the definition of daring simplicity. Its spherical, hand-blown glass diffuser—available in three sizes—is offset by a domed metal cap in your choice of color.

Shop

Grand Rug by Nordic Knots

Grand is made to create a hotel-like feel in your home. It is a collection of rugs brought to life in a crisp color scheme inspired by Scandinavian nature. Crafted from New Zealand wool in a design that is as soft on the eyes as under your feet. To make you feel at home, anywhere in the world. The Grand collection is handmade in small batches. Only a few in each size are available.

Shop

Foot Stool by Project 213A

The foot stool is part of the "Foot collection" which is all hand carved by skilled artisans in Northern Portugal. The design was inspired by a classic milking stool, and has a fun twist with three individually shaped legs and one foot. Carved from solid walnut.

Shop

Offset Sofa by Norm Architects for Audo

A contemporary sofa, understated yet statement-making, Offset is the result of research into ‘balance’ by Norm Architects. The studio wanted to create a sofa as simply as possible while embracing a set of paradoxes: making it substantial yet delicate in appearance, architectural yet inviting and homey. In the studio, the designers experimented with offsetting, playing with proportions, narrow armrests versus a thick generous seat, supported by four stubby metal legs. The clean-lined boxy shape is inspired by minimalist art, gently softened for a welcoming expression and maximized for comfort.

Shop

Jardin d’Eden Wallpaper by Pierre Frey

Enter the jungle and observe its many details. Fruits, passion flowers, vines and banana trees surround a waterfall in this garden of eden. This hand-drawn illustration is made in a pointillist monochrome. This delicate, painstaking technique gives the drawing depth and charm. Printed on a matte, non-woven material.

Shop